“The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” Isaiah 40:28b

These words of encouragement are offered to those carried into Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. Their world had been completely reoriented. Now they needed a reminder of who is their God. The people had been doing everything on their own, doing things their way. The Prophets had warned them of ignoring the ways of God. Now they were receiving the results of their actions. What they needed was a fresh vision of God and His Transcendence.

 The word transcendence is defined: “to exist above, beyond and independent.” God is above, beyond and independent of time, creation, strength and knowledge. He is infinite. The Apostle Paul would weigh in on God’s transcendence by saying, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!” (Romans 11:33-36) He reminds us that creation was a gift from God the Father to God the Son. Creation comes about because of the Love of God. “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:15-17)

When life in this sin-filled world becomes overwhelming, we need to trust in The One Who is transcendent. We need this view of God who has the power and authority to handle anything even our sin. Therefore, He reveals Himself; the clearest picture is through Jesus Christ. The transcendent God coming to us as one of us, “He has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Hebrews 1:2-3)

The people of Israel, as they began to adjust to the new turbulent setting in Babylon, needed to know that God had not left them. However, they also needed to trust God. He was willing to guide and encourage them, but they had to trust Him. The conclusion of Isaiah 40 would clearly and vividly remind them of His willingness. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31) May we learn to trust in the Transcendent LORD our God.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block